The teachers at Summit Academy Parma have been negotiating a first contract since May, and have been struggling to secure a fair contract with protections in place to ensure students get the high-quality education they deserve. Teachers are fighting for smaller class sizes and manageable caseloads, a healthy and safe environment for their students, suitable staffing to meet the unique needs of their students, and planning time to prepare lessons. The teachers are striking over an Unfair Labor Practice charge against Summit Academy Management alleging a failure to negotiate in good faith.
On January 31, the bargaining unit overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike if a settlement could not be reached. In our last bargaining session on Friday, February 15, teachers were unable to reach a deal, despite offering to trade economic improvements for smaller class sizes and guaranteed staffing.
The strike will begin on Tuesday, February 19 at 7:30 a.m. Here are some ways that you can show your support and solidarity:
- Join us on the picket line at Summit Academy Parma, 5868 Stumph Road, from 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. starting on the 19th. While you are welcome to join any time during those hours, we need the biggest crowd when the picket line kicks off at 7:30 a.m. and also during student pick up, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. The pickets at the school will continue on weekdays throughout the strike. If you can, wear "Red For Ed" to the picket line tomorrow, but more importantly, bundle up. It's going to be cold.
- Reach out to Summit's CEO John Guyer and encourage him to agree to a fair contract. You can call him at 330-699-8952 or send him an email here. Customize the sample letter with your own experiences as an educator or union member.
- Show your support on social media by posting a picture holding a sign in support. Helpful hashtags are: #RedForEd #Local6570 #IamOFT #TeacherStrike. You can also share posts from our OFT Twitter, OFT Facebook, Cleveland ACTS twitter & Cleveland ACTS Facebook.
- If you'd like to donate food or other supplies, email us at: mykidsteachersmatter@gmail.com
We will continue to keep you updated on the latest developments.
